Celebrities living in New York such as Robert De Niro and Julian Moore, will help in a campaign to promote the tourism appeals of the American metropolis.
The celebrity actors will take part in an advertising campaign to be unveiled at JFK airport that will promote New York as a safe and fun destination to visit.
Since September 11 of 2001, the US has seen a 17 per cent fall in visitor numbers, and a perception remains of the US as an unwelcoming country.
The campaign, called Just Ask the Locals, will feature film clips of Hollywood celebrities giving advice on places to visit.
Large posters of the stars will be placed around its main visitor thanking visitors for coming to New York.
And pocket books with walks recommended by celebrities will also be made available to tourists.
Ushers will also greet visitors on their arrival and offering them the guides to New York.
'Tourists complain that US immigration officials are rude and disrespectful, and they don't think that's a good way to start a vacation.
'Giving out that kind of advice is something that's going to come naturally to us,' said the city's mayor, Michael Bloomberg.
The move to increase visitors is taking place throughout the US, with new legislation recently passed that will ensure reduced waiting times at the country's busiest international airports.
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